PFAS in Food, Water, and Packaging - Testing & Compliance with Eurofins

Introduction: What Are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals widely used for their oil-, grease-, and water-resistant properties. Sometimes called “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and resistance to degradation, PFAS are found in:

• Non-stick cookware
• Food contact packaging (grease-proof paper, wrappers, containers)
• Firefighting foams
• Industrial processes and textiles

PFAS have raised global concerns due to their bioaccumulative nature, potential toxicity, and links to health risks such as cancer, thyroid disruption, immune suppression, and developmental effects in children.

At Eurofins, we support businesses, regulators, and consumers by providing highly sensitive PFAS testing across food, drinking water, packaging, and environmental samples, ensuring compliance with the latest safety regulations worldwide.

Why PFAS Testing Is Essential

PFAS testing helps safeguard:

• Consumer Health → Early detection prevents long-term exposure linked to cancers, liver damage, fertility issues, and immune disorders.
• Regulatory Compliance → Stay aligned with strict limits set by EU, US EPA, FSSAI, and Codex Alimentarius.
• Export & Trade → Meet international safety standards, avoid shipment rejections, and secure smooth market entry.
• Brand Reputation → Protect consumer trust by ensuring “PFAS-free” or “safe-level” claims are validated.
• Environmental Responsibility → Detect PFAS in water and packaging, preventing contamination and supporting sustainability commitments.

Common PFAS Compounds of Concern

PFAS Regulatory Benchmarks: India vs Global

Types of PFAS Testing Eurofins Offers

Eurofins provides comprehensive PFAS analysis across food, beverages, water, and packaging materials using globally harmonized methods.

• Food & Beverages
  • Dairy, seafood, meat, eggs, fruits, processed foods
• Drinking & Environmental Water
  • Groundwater, bottled water, tap water, effluents
• Food Contact Materials
  • Greaseproof paper, wrappers, containers, non-stick coatings

Analytical Techniques Used:

• LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography – Tandem Mass Spectrometry) → Gold standard for detecting PFAS at trace levels (ppt / ng/L).
• TOP Assay (Total Oxidizable Precursor) → Identifies hidden precursors that may transform into PFAS.
• HRMS (High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry) → Expands detection to emerging and unknown PFAS.
• GC-MS for Volatile PFAS → Complements LC-MS/MS in packaging and environmental testing.

How Our Testing Process Works

1. Sample Collection – Clear guidance on volume, packaging, and contamination-free transport.
2. Testing & Analysis – Conducted in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories with strict QA/QC.
3. Turnaround Time (TAT) – Rapid (3–5 days) and expedited (24–48h) options.
4. Reporting – Detailed certificates of analysis (CoA) with interpretation and regulatory comparison.
5. Corrective Support – Guidance for reformulation, material substitution, and compliance strategy.

Who Needs PFAS Testing?

• Food & Beverage Manufacturers – Ensure raw materials and final products are PFAS-free.
• Packaging Producers & Converters – Validate that materials comply with global PFAS restrictions.
• Water Utilities & Bottlers – Monitor compliance with emerging PFAS drinking water standards.
• Exporters & Importers – Navigate EU, US, and Codex requirements for international trade.
• E-commerce & Clean-label Brands – Support “PFAS-free” claims for consumer trust.

Common PFAS-Related Issues & How Eurofins Helps

Case Study: Supporting a Snack Packaging Manufacturer

A major snack brand approached Eurofins to verify PFAS levels in greaseproof paper wrappers ahead of export to the EU. Our LC-MS/MS and TOP assay confirmed trace PFAS above EU thresholds. With our guidance, the client sourced alternative materials and re-validated compliance. The brand achieved smooth entry into the European market and strengthened its clean-label claim.

Why Choose Eurofins for PFAS Testing?

• Global Leadership – 900+ labs in 50+ countries
• Accreditations – NABL, ISO/IEC 17025, FSSAI recognition, EPA/EU validated methods
• Cutting-edge Platforms – LC-MS/MS, HRMS, TOP assay capability
• Expert Team – Chemists, toxicologists, and regulatory specialists for clear interpretation
• Sustainability Partner – Helping brands eliminate PFAS and move toward safer alternatives
• Ensure your products and packaging meet global PFAS safety standards.
• Contact Eurofins’ experts today for consultation and tailored testing solutions.

Click Schedule PFAS testing now to stay ahead of regulatory deadlines.

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